A disagreement over the upcoming LC I elections has ended in tragedy after a 30-year-old man was allegedly killed during a campaign-related altercation in Kasese District.
The deceased, Masereka Nelson, was a resident of Kisanga Village in Maliba Parish, Maliba Sub-county.
According to the Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson, ASP Elly Maate, the incident happened on the night of July 25, 2026, at around 9:50 p.m.
Police say Nelson became involved in a heated argument with a man identified only as Sowedi over the forthcoming LC I chairperson elections. What began as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into violence.
Investigators allege that Sowedi picked up a stone and hit Nelson on the forehead, causing him to collapse. The suspect is further accused of continuing to assault him while he lay on the ground before fleeing the scene.
A friend rushed the injured man to a nearby drug shop for first aid and later informed his family. The following morning, relatives transferred him to Rukoki Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead at about 5:00 p.m.
Police later traced the suspect to Bunyangabo District, where he was arrested while in hiding. He is expected to be transferred to Hiima Division to face prosecution.
The killing comes just days before Ugandans head to the polls to elect LC I chairpersons in more than 70,000 villages on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Police have since appealed to the public to avoid violence and resolve political differences peacefully, reminding candidates and their supporters that elections should not cost lives. Investigations into the murder are still ongoing.
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